How to Remove Iron Bacteria
When ferrous iron oxidizes, it becomes a brown slime that can play havoc on well and plumbing systems. The resulting iron bacteria can cause pumps to burn out, block water flow and produce rust-colored stains and odors. This bacteria is not a health hazard, but it can be costly and difficult to eradicate. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- 5 quarts bleach (10% solution)
- Three 30-gallon garbage cans
- Clean water hose
- Outside water faucet
Instructions
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Iron Bacteria Treatment
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1
Mix approximately 5 quarts of a 10% chlorine bleach with 90 gallons of water in the garbage cans. The solution should be more than the standing amount of water in the well, so the 90-gallon preparation is a good estimate if the well water volume is unknown.
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2
Either pour or pump all of the chlorine solution into the well in a continuous stream.
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3
Attach one end of the clean hose to an outside faucet and place the other end in the well. Turn on the faucet for one hour to allow the chlorinated water to recirculate.
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4
After one hour, turn on faucets inside the house and allow the water to run until a chlorine smell is detected.
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5
Keep the chlorine solution in the well and piping for 24 hours at a minimum, preferably longer before purging the chlorine.
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6
Remove the hose from the well and reposition it to an area that will not be impacted by chlorine--away from plants and grass.
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7
Turn on the outside hose and let the water run until the chlorine is removed.
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1
Tips & Warnings
The process may need to be repeated if the slime continues to be present.
If the problem is not resolved, removing iron bacteria may require chlorination shock with an acid and salt treatment. Consult a well or pump professional for this procedure, as there are often regulatory procedures to follow.
Ensure that you remove the chlorine from the system after treatment, as chlorine can cause problems with septic systems.
Do not allow chlorine water to flow into lakes or streams.
References
Resources
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Comments
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Very Interesting iron bacteria problem.
